Prior to the first physical meeting of the Arise 2 project, the Arise2 WhatsApp group which was set up for interaction was abuzz with anticipation. The atmosphere was so pregnant with expectation, that even the relentless rain that had pelted Manchester in May took a break to allow the event to take place. Rightly so, otherwise, it would have met with some fierce protests from these beautiful ladies.
The meeting took place on the 22nd of May at Ardwick Green in Manchester. The audience a was combination of in-person settings and remote broadcasting via a web app. The Directors, Mary Kachitsa and Tikhala Chimpango reminded the attendees that it was time to re-emerge, better and stronger, after experiencing challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. They stated that there was no reason why anyone shouldn’t soar. They encouraged everyone present to push themselves to the greatest heights of their being.
Mentoring Session
Wheel of Life and Goal Setting by Shamine Jan.
Shamime Jan advised the attendees to set the goals that they want to achieve. She stated that setting goals helps a person lead a balanced life. Prior to setting goals, a woman should conduct a self-assessment exercise about her status. One tool which can be used for the self-assessment exercise is the Wheel of Life. The Wheel of Life helps to assess all areas of a woman’s life by highlighting her strengths and weaknesses. The scores that she gets on the Wheel enable her to pinpoint the areas that she needs to improve on. When she improves in the said areas, she will be enabled to lead a ‘rounded’ life. Shamime advised that Wheels of Life differ between individuals because people have their own goals. Goals need to be reviewed as situations change, and Wheels of Life need to be adjusted accordingly. If a woman encounters challenges in meeting their goals, she should never give up. As a conclusion to her lessons, Shamime challenged everyone present to draw and score their Wheels of Life according to their respective goals.
Refreshments: were provided by Fatuma Sikwese.
Goal Setting by Grace Tsapayi
Grace Tsipayi encouraged women to choose to challenge their circumstances. Women should change their narratives from negative to positive, and they should start living purposefully. She stated that there is a power within every woman which aligns with their spirit. This power emits positive energy. Therefore, when dreaming about goals, there is a need to dream bigger. She further stated that it is important to specify the dreams that one is willing to embark on. Grace listed five goal-setting theories: Clarity, Challenge, Commitment, Feedback, and Task Complete. Her talk, however, concentrated on the first two, Clarity and Challenge. Clarity is linked to the Wheel of Life; this is where a woman identifies the goals that she wants to pursue. After the goals have been clarified, the next step is to identify areas that need to be improved and find ways to address them. This is where Challenge comes in; a woman must develop a resilient mindset and the right attitude.
Vision Board and Activity by Gloria Zimba
Gloria highlighted the importance of networking with the right people. Networking helps a woman to unlearn some deep-rooted cultural perspectives. It is important to evaluate where an individual stands, as this will propel a woman to think of solutions that help her to move forward.
Quoting Jack Canfield, Gloria stated that positive affirmations remind individuals to tap into their unconscious minds and they help them to stay focused on their goals, which in turn help them devise solutions to the challenges and obstacles that stand before them. Positive affirmations provide a positive outlook towards life. She challenged the women to have big dreams that scare them.
Gloria then introduced the idea of Vision Boards to the workshop, stating the advantages and benefits that they bring to an individual.
The women were then given a chance to draw their vision boards. The mentors engaged with the attendees, discussing their visions, helping to develop them and creating their vision.
Q&A
The floor was open for questions.
After all the questions were addressed, the formal workshop was closed for the day. Although the workshop was closed for the day, the WhatsApp forum is still teaming; women are displaying their Wheels of Life and Vision Boards. In addition, women are posting further questions, advice, motivational quotes speeches and videos, all of which aim to empower the group.
A couple more sessions were held in the month, to provide a platform where all women could meet and ask any lingering questions which they had during the first session.
The next workshop: Principles for Fulfilling Your Goals and Vision will be held on the 26th of June 2021 at St Thomas Ardwick.
Directors: Mary Kachitsa and Tikhala Chimpango.
Trustees: Barbara Makhalira, Tamanda Kalua and Chrissy Mlotha
Funded by The National Lottery
Patricia Kulipa Chimangeni– Women ARise desk
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